Pay to Pray

This year I braved the journey through the throngs of people and made my sacrifice to the Japanese God of money, Ebisu, for a prosperous 2008. The Ebisu Festival is also a spectacular cultural event to participate in and observe, if you don’t mind the crowds…

During this annual festival held on January 9, 10, and 11, many people come to pay respects to Ebisu, the patron deity of business. As Osaka has been traditionally known as the merchant capital of Japan, the significance of the Toka Ebisu Festival resonates especially strong with the people of the city. Throughout the three-day Festival, hundreds of thousands of people come to worship at the shrine and pray to Ebisu, affectionately called “Ebessan” by Osakans.

~ by 'The Maker' on January 13, 2008.